REDS READY FOR THE ROARING 20S
The United boss has watched his young side graduate into a team that will compete in the Champions League next season.
And, after a gruelling year-long campaign, they face Sevilla in tonight’s Europa League semi-finals.
Solskjaer knows from his own experience under Sir Alex Ferguson the weight of expectation that comes with wearing the United shirt – and the work that still has to be done to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
But he has seen enough to suggest that “the biggest club in the world” once again has a group of players good enough to compete at the highest level.
Solskjaer said: “Remember, we’re probably the youngest team and squad in the Premier League.
“And to have the start we had, when we struggled, meant at one stage we were only one point from the relegation zone after we drew with Liverpool in October.
“So to have finished third with a great run will have made them trust themselves and believe more.
“I wanted a group that worked together, working for something, knowing they’re good footballers, but remaining humble.
“That’s me as a person. You never think you’re better than you are and these boys have taken on that humility.”
Solskjaer has never been afraid to draw on the lessons he learned under Ferguson. It is almost three decades since Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville came through the club’s academy.
Solskjaer is reluctant to compare the emergence of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay and Brandon Williams to the Class of ’92.
But when Mancunian Teden Mengi, 18, recently became the 11th youngster blooded by Solskjaer during his 20- month
TOP CLASS Greenwood and Rashford reign, it became clear that the policy of developing homegrown talent will continue.
Solskjaer has not been afraid of opening the chequebook – and hopes that Borussia Dortmund’s £ 105million valuation of Jadon Sancho will not prevent the England star from joining Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Solskjaer added: “It’s difficult to compare teams. Sir Alex was one of the best at rebuilding teams and giving them a new impetus.
“We were a group of highly motivated individuals, but we have more competitors now than the team I played in had.
“These players are at the biggest club in the world and can be successful – but that needs dedication, determination and sacrifice. This club has to be your only focus till the day you’re out of the door.”